- San Antonio, its airport system, CPS Energy, and UTSA partner with the US Department of Energy for sustainable aviation Innovation.
- Focus areas include sustainable aviation, battery technologies, and EV charging infrastructure.
San Antonio, its airport system, CPS Energy, and the University of Texas in San Antonio (UTSA) partner with the US Department of Energy to explore sustainable aviation innovation. The MOU, signed at Stinson Municipal Airport, marks a significant step.
It is the first collaboration between ARPA-E and an airport system. The initiative aims to advance innovative energy technologies without financial constraints.
Efforts include sharing knowledge, identifying funding opportunities, and nurturing research and educational endeavours. The focus is sustainable aviation, battery technologies, EV charging infrastructure, and power demand management solutions.
Evelyn Wang, ARPA-E’s director, praises the partnership’s potential in advancing electrified airports. The aviation sector contributes approximately 8 per cent of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Global efforts are underway to mitigate its environmental impact. Decarbonisation remains a formidable challenge.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg emphasises the importance of researching sustainable energy models. UTSA’s expertise, bolstered by collaborations with CPS Energy, positions the institution as a key player.
UTSA President Taylor Eighmy underscores the university’s commitment to evaluating electric aircraft and energy storage solutions. The collaborative effort aims to integrate renewables, enhance energy storage capabilities, and fortify the power grid’s resilience.
Krystel Castillo, UTSA professor, highlights the university’s comprehensive approach. The MOU signing event featured demonstrations and discussions by ARPA-E-funded teams.